[efoods]Republicans swept the governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia Tuesday, ending Democratic rule in both states and launching what they hope will become a comeback heading into next year’s midterm elections for control of the U.S. Congress.

In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie ousted incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in a close contest. In Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell easily defeated Democrat Creigh Deeds in a state where the incumbent Democrat was term-limited.

How much the results reflected voters’ satisfaction with President Barack Obama was debatable. They did, however, signal that Republicans have more energy and momentum than the Democrats do, potentially crucial as both parties prepare for next year, when 38 of 100 Senate seats and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election.